While in Lyon over the x-mas break I visited a cathedral and was impressed with the stained glass window at the back, a large round window with pale primary colours. I tried to reproduce that sensation in this painting, which depicts an abstract catherdral with dark gloomy corners juxtaposed with splashy waves of colour and light from the stained glass window. A dull red glow illuminates the foreground. Tapestries hang and creatures lurk throughout the building. The title 'lost in a mall' was written in one of the doodles, and I thought the message could be that religion is lost in the modern trappings (of a shopping mall) or something like that...There is not much difference in the method of this painting compared to the other doodle paintings. I am still considering whether or not this one belongs formally in the 'Lab Book series', it certainly fits with the existing works from a technical and thematic standpoint....you can almost imagine that this painting is the interior view of 'Spank's Fantastic Cathedral' lab book #6. However, I think of the lab book series as a continuum of paintings, and 'Lost in a Mall' does not contribute to the evolution of ideas, rather it goes back and celebrates the style itself without demanding a change. And so I reserve the lab book title for a painting that will continue the evolution of the style rather that simply utilize the style. Whatever the case this is certainly an amazing piece, I have spent a long time just looking at the final work and enjoying it's energy and continual surprises no matter what I call it.
22x30" cold press 2009
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